Is a Civil Ceremony in the Dominican Republic Valid Internationally?
Dreaming of a simple and intimate civil ceremony on the beach in the Dominican Republic? You’re not alone. Many couples are drawn to the island’s stunning coastlines, swaying palms, and warm climate to say “I do” — and they often wonder: Will our marriage be legally valid in our home country?
The short answer is: yes — a civil wedding in the Dominican Republic is legally valid internationally. But for that to be the case, it must follow proper procedures and meet the documentation requirements.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Civil Ceremony in the Dominican Republic?
A civil ceremony is a legally binding wedding performed by a Dominican civil officer (known as an “Oficial del Estado Civil”). These ceremonies are the only type of weddings officially recognized by Dominican law. Religious or symbolic weddings, while meaningful, are not legally valid unless they are also registered civilly.
Civil ceremonies can be held at official government offices or, as shown in the photos above, at outdoor locations like beaches or private venues — provided a civil officer is present and the marriage is properly registered.
What Makes a Civil Ceremony Legally Valid?
To ensure your marriage is legally recognized both in the Dominican Republic and abroad, you must:
Be married by a licensed civil officer
Provide all required legal documents (translated into Spanish and apostilled)
Register the marriage with the Dominican Civil Registry
Obtain an official marriage certificate
Have that certificate apostilled by the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Once you have the apostilled certificate, you can use it in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention — which includes the U.S., Canada, U.K., most of Europe, and many others.
Documents You’ll Need to Provide
Before your wedding, both partners must submit:
Valid passports
Original birth certificates
Single status affidavits (notarized and translated)
Divorce decrees or death certificates (if previously married)
Copies of valid identification for two adult witnesses
These documents must be apostilled in your home country and translated into Spanish by a certified translator before submission.
Is the Marriage Automatically Valid in My Country?
If you follow the steps above and obtain the apostilled marriage certificate, yes — your marriage is valid internationally. Most countries do not require any re-registration of foreign marriages, but you may need to present the certificate for:
Immigration or spousal visa applications
Legal name change
Insurance and tax documentation
Updating your marital status on official records
In some cases, you may need to provide a certified translation of the marriage certificate if your country does not use Spanish as an official language.
What About Symbolic Ceremonies?
If your ceremony was symbolic — meaning it was for celebration purposes only and not registered with the civil office — it will not be legally recognized. In this case, you must complete a legal marriage either before or after in your home country.
Should You Hire Help?
While you can manage the paperwork on your own, many couples find it helpful to work with a legal coordinator or planner familiar with Dominican marriage laws. This ensures everything is submitted on time and correctly translated and apostilled — reducing the chance of delays or errors.
People Also Ask
Is my Dominican Republic civil marriage valid in the U.S. or Canada? Yes, as long as it was properly registered and the marriage certificate is apostilled.
Do I need to register the marriage again in my home country? In most countries, no. The apostilled certificate is sufficient proof of your marriage.
Can I have a beach civil wedding? Yes, civil officers can perform weddings at approved beach locations with prior arrangement.
How long does it take to receive the marriage certificate? Usually 1–2 weeks after the wedding, plus time for apostille and translation.
Is a symbolic wedding legally valid? No. Only civil ceremonies performed by a licensed official are legally recognized.
